My TEDx Talk Journey

On the eve of my 40th birthday, I wrote a list of 10 things that I wanted to achieve in 10 years.

The top thing on my list was doing a TEDx Talk.

Last month, my wish came true. I was invited to put together a proposal for a new TEDx event in Chichester.

Within a week I was on the website. I'd committed to preparing a talk for the event, and was one of eight speakers chosen (you can see some of us in the picture!)

What is TEDx and how does it differ from TED Talks?

If you're wondering what a TEDx Talk is and how it differs from TED Talks, then here is an explanation.

"A TED talk is a video created from a presentation at the main TED (technology, entertainment, design) conference or one of its many satellite events around the world. TED talks are limited to a maximum length of 18 minutes but may be on any topic".

A TEDx event is a local gathering where live TED-like talks and videos previously recorded at TED conferences are shared with the community, and are run independently. Each has a specific topic and the topic for the Chichester event in October was engaging ideas and people.

So how do you prepare for a TEDx Talk?

Doing a TEDx Talk is different from any presentation I've ever done before. Delivered on a specific topic and without notes, there are a lot of things to think about. Although I'd been considering it for a while...

To improve my presentation skills, in 2014, I attended an event called 'Speak like a TED Talker' run by Sarah Lloyd Hughes and her team at Ginger Training and Coaching, which certainly helped set me up for my talk. I also shared my story at the local Story Party event in 2016.

That's why I contacted Sarah once the talk had been confirmed and engaged one of her TED coaches to support me. We worked on the script together. She gave me some brilliant pointers that helped me to follow a structure based on the hero's journey.

The talk was loosely based on my book, The Mouse That Roars. I shared my story about how I turned my fear into courage, from being a shy child to becoming a confident entrepreneur, and why I have done some crazy things like jumping out of a plane, and becoming a firewalk instructor!

Given that I had less than six weeks since being chosen as a speaker, I developed the talk further whilst in Spain on our writing retreat. Our clients kindly listened to the talk, and gave me feedback. In the week prior to the event, I practiced for an hour a day to remember the key points, and presented it to anyone who was willing to watch me!

On the day I was nervous but calm. In a stately home just outside of Chichester, I was the fifth person on stage, and shared my story.

Doing a TEDx Talk was a big deal for me, especially since I am the mouse!! So if you enjoy my message, please like it, leave your comments and share it with those who need to hear it!

Here's the video